Oftentimes when we think about movement, we think of the exercises and muscle groups, but one of the most important aspects of joyful movement is finding your people. Creating a community and having a group of supportive, like-minded people to move with has a positive effect on motivation.
Although for some, group movement can be intimidating, especially if you have had negative experiences with group classes or gyms in the past. As a size-inclusive fitness specialist, I understand. If movement in group settings is too overwhelming for you, that is completely valid. Remember, it is vital to have a joyful aspect within the movement. You can decide what that means for you.
Prefer to listen? Check out this episode of The Joyful Movement Show
The Power of Social Support: How Group Participation Fuels Our Drive for Physical Activity
Research has found that community can be a huge motivating factor. There was a study in the International Journal of Qualitative Studies on Health and Wellbeing in 2018 that looked at how group participation affected physical activity adherence among adolescent girls. What they discovered was that social support of group participation was found to influence physical activity.
Though this research specifically focused on adolescent girls, its implications extend far beyond this demographic. The fundamental need for social connection and support is a universal facet of human existence. Incorporating a sense of community into our physical activities may be the game-changer that not only helps us stick to our fitness goals but also elevates our overall well-being by reinforcing our social bonds.
5 Ways Community Impacts Your Fitness
Enhances Self-Efficacy
Having confidence in your abilities is key when it comes to self-efficacy. Truly believing that you can do something, not just understanding the concept but trusting your own capabilities, is where true confidence lies. It can be helpful in a class environment to have an instructor or your peers cheering you on and giving you positive words of encouragement. Something as simple as “your form looks great” or “I can see you getting stronger on those pushups” can really go a long way!
Performance Improvements
Being a part of a supportive group can inspire us to challenge ourselves and try new things. This could look like your personal trainer saying “you’ve really mastered those squats” or “I think you might be ready to add some weight on.” Or maybe it’s your walking buddy suggesting you try hiking together; something new. Or maybe it’s something like participating in a couch to 5K running program with a group of friends. Either way, having that group that inspires you to try something new and challenging can really improve your performance.
Enhances Enjoyment
Finding a community that shares the same passions as you is an invaluable asset in life. As a size-inclusive fitness specialist, I’m so fortunate to be part of wonderful communities that make exercising truly enjoyable! With these amazing people around me, it doesn’t feel like exercise at all – we just chat and laugh our way through the time. Community really allows us to bring joy into movement.
Enhances Motivation
That feeling of belonging is so important. It’s an innate human need to feel like we’re a part of something. Whether your group is one person, like your walking buddy or a personal trainer, or a larger group like a CrossFit community, having people who cheer you on, who miss you when you’re not at class, who check in with you when you’re having a tough time, and who rely on you to do the same for them, is really going to help you want to continue to participate and stay motivated.
Enables Physical Activity from a Practical Standpoint
The practical part about enabling physical activity is that sometimes there are things that we would love to do, but quite honestly just couldn’t or wouldn’t if it weren’t for the group. A great example of that is with my cycling groups. I would not participate in those kinds of activities on my own because it wouldn’t be safe. In the rural area where we live, we don’t have access to paved bike trails, so we ride our bikes on paved country roads and highways, together. Having a community can make activities safe and accessible to many people.
How to Identifying Your Ideal Fitness Community
Connecting with others and finding your community can have a powerful impact on your journey to embracing joy in movement. We just all have to figure out for ourselves what we are looking for in a supportive community, and that is as unique to you as the type of movement you enjoy itself. It can be difficult to know where to even start. As a size-inclusive fitness specialist, here are my tips to identifying your ideal fitness community:
- First, decide HOW you want to move.
Write down what kind of movement you enjoy. Make a huge long list, and then find a group that supports that. If the idea of lifting weights and running scares you, you maybe don’t want to join a CrossFit Gym. On the other hand, that might be a perfect fit for you if you thrive in a highly competitive athletic environment. Or if you feel like you’re clumsy and lack coordination, then a cardio dance class might not increase your enjoyment of movement. But, if you love dancing, then finding a group to keep you inspired and challenged would be a great fit. If you can’t find a group in your area to meet your movement needs, get a group of friends together and create your own.
2. Reflect on your own personality.
As an extrovert, I love participating in large group activities, but I know that’s not everyone’s cup of tea. Perhaps for you, your community is one person. A workout buddy, a walking buddy, or maybe even a size-inclusive fitness trainer. Or it might be a small group fitness class with 1-2 coworkers or friends. There’s nothing to say that a community needs to be a big group of people. The important thing is that you feel valued and inspired by the people you surround yourself with.
3. What are your needs from your community?
When you consider those five factors on how community impacts your fitness I mentioned above- which is the most important to you? Is it building your self-efficacy, or your confidence in movement? Is it to improve your performance and challenge yourself in a new way? Is it to have fun? Is it to feel motivated or inspired? Or is it the practical aspect? When you think about where you struggle with movement or progressing toward your goals, which of these areas would help you the most?
If self-efficacy is your goal, why not explore the possibilities of a personal trainer to help you feel more comfortable with how your body moves? Or if performance and competition are what drive you, look for group activities that could push those limits. If it’s for enjoyment or motivation, is there a group that looks fun and that you’d love to be part of? Or could you create something with your own group of friends? And if there’s a practical thing, like a specific skill or activity that you want to learn, then you want to seek out a group that teaches that thing.
Connecting with your ideal fitness community can bring a whole new level of joy to any fitness routine. Together, you can find more fun in movement and create meaningful experiences of empowerment and belonging. As you become more inspired and consistent with movement, social support will be the key to unlocking sustainable changes that shape your future and build self-confidence along the way.
If you are ready to take the step into joyful movement, Radiant Vitality is here to help you on your journey! Radiant Vitality is a size-inclusive fitness and body image coaching service whose mission is to equip you with practical and sustainable tools to heal your relationship with exercise, food and your body. Contact Radiant Vitality today to learn more or grab our FREE guide to motivation!
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